Stena Line and Irish Ferries require passports as boarding rules change
New passport rules affect Stena Line and Irish Ferries crossings between Britain and Ireland, including children. Check the routes and booking options.
Passengers travelling between Britain and Ireland on several major ferry routes must now carry a valid passport or Irish passport card. The requirement took effect on Monday 28 September 2026 and applies to everyone, including British and Irish citizens, children and babies.
For families accustomed to travelling with driving licences or birth certificates, that means checking every passenger’s documents before setting off. Arriving without the required identification could mean being unable to board, even with a confirmed booking.
The change covers Stena Line crossings between Holyhead and Dublin and between Fishguard and Rosslare. Irish Ferries passengers travelling between Dublin and Holyhead or between Rosslare and Pembroke must also meet the new requirement, which applies in both directions.
Driving licences, national identity cards and other photographic identification are no longer accepted as standard travel documents on these services. Irish citizens can use a valid Irish passport card, while children and infants need their own valid travel document.
Both operators say the change supports UK Border Force requirements for accurate passenger information before boarding. It is a change to the companies’ boarding conditions, while the Common Travel Area arrangements allowing British and Irish citizens to travel freely between the countries remain in place.
Stena Line’s Belfast services retain their existing identification requirements. Passengers using its Belfast routes should check the guidance for their particular crossing rather than assume the new passport requirement applies to every Irish Sea journey.
There is help for some Stena customers whose plans are affected. Passengers who booked before the requirement was communicated and cannot travel because they do not have a passport can move their booking without an amendment fee or fare difference, or cancel for a full refund.
Those arrangements are specific to Stena Line, so Irish Ferries customers should contact their own operator about their booking. Irish Ferries advises passengers whose passports have not arrived, or who are unsure about their documents, to seek assistance before going to the port.
Before leaving home, check that everyone in the travelling party has the correct identification, including the youngest children. Visit your ferry operator’s website for current document requirements and contact its customer service team promptly if the change affects your journey.
